Fox River Mall joins state in celebrating Aaron Rodgers Day next Wednesday, 12-12-12

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is all smiles after defeating the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 4 at Lambeau Field.

Next Wednesday will be a giant love fest for Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback No. 12, around the state and in particular at the Fox River Mall.

Back in March, when state lawmakers proclaimed 12-12-12 would be Aaron Rodgers Day, mall marking manager Jim Zielinski began planning something special to commemorate the day, including a tribute concert.

Rodgers isn't expected to be at the mall Wednesday, though Zielinski tried to entice him with a stipend or donation to his favorite charity.

Rodgers downplayed his plans back in May when he accepted the state's proclamation plaque in a press conference.

"I'm not big on a lot of personal attention," he said. "I like to deflect it to the team, but I am very honored to receive this plaque, this distinction, and I hope we can all enjoy 12-12-12 together."

He may be consumed with preparations for his meeting with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field four days later.

But the fans who love the MVP quarterback will be treated to an orchestra concert and a number of discounts and specials at the mall that day in his honor.

"We were thinking 'what could we do that was fun, unique, special for the community?'" said Zielinski. "It's more of a fan thing."

The Fox Valley Symphony's concert will be the highlight. The free hourlong event starts at 6:12 p.m. in the food court. Zielinski said symphony music director Brian Groner created a football/holiday theme concert.

"He will be conducting 'Go Pack Go' with tubas and violins. The orchestra will be on the upper level of the food court and Brian will be on a hydraulic lift."

The mall also had 6,000 of the state's proclamations printed, and will hand them out at the three main mall entrances starting at 10 a.m.

Zielinski said more than 30 stores will participate in special promotions on Wednesday. Some will offer 12 percent discounts on top of any in-store deals already running. Others will have special $12 items.

"This is one of the most successful merchant participation programs we've ever had," he said. "Normally, it's about 10 percent. In this case, we have nearly 20 percent."

Participating stores will post 12-12-12 signs. Specials include a $12 ice cream cake (normally $20) at Cold Stone Creamery, a $12 Aaron Rodgers T-shirts (regularly $20) at Gameday Sports kiosk, and 12 percent discounts on purchases at Vanity, Chico's, Tradehome, GNC, Aeropostale and Buca di Beppo. A radio station will do giveaways during the day in the food court.

Locally based business owners in the mall know the importance of the day and are discounting some things that are rarely marked down.

Watches are 12 percent off at The Watch Co., for example, including some brands that are never discounted.

"We're football fans," said David Gerczak, president of the Appleton-based Watch Co. "We like to support the Packers and support the mall's marketing efforts."

The $22.99 cookie cake, a signature item at Great American Cookies, is seldom discounted. But for Aaron Rodgers Day, it will be $12.12. While the shop isn't taking preorders, Tim Lamers, the Kaukauna-based store owner, knows they'll sell at least 150.

"We're up to the challenge," Lamers said. "We're all about being part of the community."

The mall lists store promotions in its events section on www.foxrivermall.com and posts updates on Facebook. The first of 12 days of mall holiday giveaways will start with a drawing for a signed Rodgers jersey and football during the concert. Find giveaway registration boxes near Santa in the Macy's wing and in the food court.

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The Buzz: Showing love for Aaron

Next Wednesday will be a giant love fest for Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback No. 12, around the state and in particular at the Fox River Mall.

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